The Noll Family

the Noll Family

Last year, Alex and Pam Noll got curious when their daughter Ruth kept running in the house for paint supplies. It turns out she was making artwork to sell for Washburn Center for Children. Her sister, Amelia, got in on it too, and they went door-to-door selling the work to neighbors. “We told them it was to help kids who are sad and need help,” says Ruth. Says Amelia, “They gave us lots of dollars and checks.”

Almost $250 worth—in just one day.

The sisters were only 8 and 5 at the time. Their brother, Henry, was only 2. They’ve since made a personal fundraising website. “You can check how donations are doing,” says Ruth. “And you can send e-mails to your grandma and grandpa.” It’s Twin Cities kids helping Twin Cities kids—and getting great joy from it.

Their parents get joy from it, too, and more. “We are amazed and thankful for our neighbors’ generosity,” says Alex. “We’re also proud of Ruth and Amelia for their self-awareness of other kids’ needs and for taking the initiative to do something about it on their own.’”